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Awards And Recognitions

Iowa's Capital City

As Iowa's capital city, Des Moines is a hub of government action, business activity and cultural affairs. With a Metro population of 456,000, Des Moines is a bustling metropolis. But though we have big city bustle, we're extremely proud of our small town atmosphere. Our community offers quality schools, superb public services, and friendly neighborhoods. Truly the best of both worlds!

Live, Work and Play!

Des Moines is a great place to live, work, and play!

2010 Awards and Recognitions

2010 All-America City Award

7/21/2010 - The summer of 2010, Des Moines competed for and won its 5th All-America City Award; joining only five other communities in the nation to receive the award five times. More than 4,000 communities have competed and over 500 have been named All-America Cities since the competition began in 1949. The All-America City Award recognizes and encourages civic excellence by honoring communities in which citizens, government, businesses and voluntary organizations work together to address critical local issues. More Information

#7 "Best Cities for the Next Decade" - Kiplinger, 2010

7/1/2010 - "A likely worker shortage sparked by retiring baby-boomers has lit a fire under Des Moines’s civic leaders. The city is working to lure back young Iowans and attracting global talent by developing its downtown and promoting the jobs available in the many industries that flourish there. Other big draws: low-cost housing, plus the city’s long-touted reputation for family-friendliness and a “19-minute commute.”"
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